What to Wear to a Football Game: Game Day Looks
Your game day football outfit will depend on the environment: Is the game indoors or outdoors? Is it warm, cold, or windy? Is rain in the forecast? How far will you have to walk to actually get to your seats? Many of your decisions will revolve around the weather. On some days, you might have to prepare for sun and rain or large temperature swings. Below is a comprehensive list of how to dress for any type of weather for a football game.
Hot Weather Game Day Tips
People perceive football as being played mostly in cold weather. There’s plenty of examples of National Football League (NFL) players with their breath visible slugging it out in a snow-filled stadium. The reality is that September and sometimes even October can be fairly warm months. Summer doesn’t end until Sept. 21. Preseason football starts at the beginning of August for NFL teams while the regular season always begins the week after Labor Day. In the Southern states, the season is played mostly in warm weather. Below are some hot weather tips to help you stay cool when the sun is blazing down on you.
Fan Gear: One mistake you want to avoid is to wear something that could be construed as supporting your opponent, perhaps by accidentally putting on their colors. A lightweight, quick-drying, moisture wicking polo with your school’s colors is a great option for warm weather.
Hat: You’ll want to deflect the sun to protect your face and create some shade. A lightweight, moisture-wicking hat can help you stay cool.
Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF on a hot, sunny day. Getting sunburned can make the day after a game unpleasant.
Sunscreen Lip Balm: Protect your lips from the sun with sunscreen lip balm. Blistered, cracked lips aren’t fun.
Shorts: It’s typically hotter inside a stadium than the temperature outside. If a team plays on artificial turf, it can be up to 20 degrees hotter. A temperature of 72 degrees outside can yield a stadium temperature of 80 degrees. A pair of lightweight, comfortable, water-resistant shorts will keep you cool.
Sunglasses: Of course, you’ll want to keep the sun out of your eyes while cheering for your team. A pair of sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays should be on your list.
Shoes: A good pair of walking shoes that are lightweight and comfortable are a must. Avoid heels and heat absorbent shoes.
Shower Wipes: There’s a good chance you’ll sweat if the temperature is high. Using shower wipes can help keep you cool and fresh for a long stretch in the sun.
Water Bottle: Many stadiums won’t allow water bottles inside but it’s a good idea to hydrate with water before the game starts. Once inside, you’ll likely need to buy your own water.
Cold Weather Football Game Outfits
It can be hard to know how insulated you should get for cold weather football games, especially when the weather forecast is unpredictable. Plunging temperatures, wind shifts, and the possibility of snow or cold rain can make some difficult wardrobe decisions. Go with the Scout motto: Be prepared. That means accounting for all the variables that could make a day colder, rainier, or windier than expected. It’s a good idea to layer up on game day. Or at least have the potential to layer up. That means bringing all the clothes you could need for the weather forecasts. You can always shed clothes if it turns out to be a nicer day than expected. Below are some cold weather tips.
Baselayers: ColdGear® will give you a good base to start with. Look for comfortable, stretchy, lightweight underwear and shirts that are designed to insulate you.
Jeans: Attending a football game in your most comfortable jeans is a great way to watch a game. Not only will the jeans look good, but you’ll also feel good.
Sweatshirt: Sitting in the stands for a football game on a cold day is all about staying warm but not overheating. A sweatshirt is the perfect peel off piece of clothing if the sun pops out.
Sweater: A comfortable water-resistant, lightweight, stretchy sweater fleece can be a perfect layer for a cold day.
Gloves: Depending on your cold tolerance, you can opt for a fingerless pair of gloves, which’ll cover your hands but allow your fingers to be useful for holding a cup of hot chocolate or reading a program, or you can use some well-insulated gloves that will keep your hands and fingers toasty warm.
Hat: A lightweight, cold, weather, moisture-wicking, beanie is a stylish and effective way to keep your head and ears warm.
Glove Warmers: If it’s really cold, a pair of disposable handwarmers that you can slip over your gloves are good for a long day at the stadium.
Shoes: A pair of insulated waterproof shoes or boots are a must if it’s snowy or bitterly cold. The boots should be comfortable, warm, and durable.
Socks: A pair of soft wool socks that stops just below your knee should keep your feet and shins warm.
Parka or Coat: A heavy winter coat is an option for fans who might want to minimize their layers. Otherwise, a lightweight parka or jacket is a way to go.
Stadium Blanket: A heavy, warm, soft stadium blanket is perfect for helping to beat back the wind and extreme cold.
What to Wear to a Rainy Football Game
Without the proper clothes and gear, watching a football game in the rain can be miserable. Below are some tips for preparing for rainy games.
Water Resistant Outerwear: A versatile water-repellant coat that has multiple attachable layers can give you cover from any type of rain. If it’s not too cold, a pullover poncho can work. A pair of stretchy water-resistant pants to wear over a regular pair of pants will ensure that your lower half doesn’t get wet. The pants should be lightweight, airy, and comfortable.
Towels: Towels will keep your bottom dry from puddling water. Make sure you bring some towels to wipe down the bleachers when it rains.
Umbrella: Umbrellas can be intrusive for fans around you watching the game and uncomfortable to hold up. However, if the rain is coming down in sheets, an umbrella is the best way to shield yourself from it.
Shoes: A comfortable pair of water-repellant shoes is a must for the rain. If your feet get wet, it can make for a long day.
Avoid wearing 100% cotton and denim in the rain. It soaks up the moisture, and it’ll chafe against your skin. Any kind of suede will likely get ruined in wet conditions.
Going to a football game in any type of weather can be enjoyable if you bring the right type of gear and wear the right clothes. Make sure you’re ready for your game day experience by getting the right clothes and accessories to deal with the conditions.